Sahaj Retail Limited

Background

Sahaj Retail Limited (SRL), formerly known as Srei Forex Limited, was incorporated on September 26, 2001, and is headquartered in Kolkata, West Bengal, India. The company is dedicated to bridging the digital divide between urban and rural India by providing a range of online services aimed at financial and digital inclusion in Indian villages. Operating under the National e-Governance Plan (NeGP) of the Government of India, SRL focuses on delivering services such as Government-to-Citizen (G2C) services, financial inclusion initiatives, utility bill collections, mobile and DTH top-ups, e-learning solutions, and FASTag services. These services are facilitated through ICT-enabled Sahaj Kendras, managed by Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs) known as Sahaj Mitrs.

Key Strategic Focus

SRL's strategic focus centers on enhancing economic empowerment, improving quality of life, and promoting livelihood enhancement in rural India. The company leverages a holistic economic and social inclusion model, emphasizing the development of human, digital, and physical networks to ensure efficient access to rural markets. By utilizing a franchise activation model and offering pull products, SRL aims to deepen and widen its market reach, thereby facilitating comprehensive digital and financial inclusion.

Financials and Funding

As of the financial year ending March 31, 2023, SRL reported an operating revenue range between INR 1 crore and INR 100 crore. The company's Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) decreased by 84.08% compared to the previous year, while its net worth increased by 16.83%. The authorized share capital stands at INR 5.5 crore, with a paid-up capital of INR 50 lakh. SRL has active open charges totaling INR 4.5 crore, with Bhaum Digital Ventures Private Limited as the charge holder.

Leadership Team

The leadership team at SRL comprises experienced professionals dedicated to driving the company's mission:

Ashoke Kumar Dutta: Director since September 24, 2020.

Kamal Nain Pandya: Whole-time Director appointed on July 25, 2019.

Harekrishna Misra: Director since July 25, 2019.

Partha Pratim Dasgupta: Director appointed on June 12, 2024.

Pradeep Gupta: Additional Director since September 21, 2023.

Gopal Dalmia: Chief Financial Officer appointed on February 1, 2020.

Sadichcha Satish Pawar: Company Secretary since March 2, 2020.

Competitor Profile

SRL operates in a competitive landscape with several key players:

Swadeshi Digital Seva: Founded in 2019 and headquartered in Dehradun, Uttaranchal, this company offers similar services in the non-profit and government sectors.

Nayaseva Services: Established in 2019 and based in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, Nayaseva Services operates in the same field, providing comparable services.

VimoPay: Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Kolkata, West Bengal, VimoPay also competes in the non-profit and government industry, offering similar services.

These competitors, along with others like Vakrangee, India1ATM, and Hitachi Payment Services, contribute to a dynamic market environment.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

SRL collaborates with major banks and financial institutions to deliver its suite of services, thereby strengthening its market position and enhancing its capacity for innovation. These partnerships are instrumental in expanding the company's capabilities and reach within rural India.

Operational Insights

SRL's strategic approach involves leveraging its network of Sahaj Kendras and VLEs to deliver services effectively in rural areas. This model not only facilitates service delivery but also empowers local entrepreneurs, creating a sustainable operational framework that differentiates SRL from its competitors.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Looking ahead, SRL aims to expand its service offerings and deepen its penetration into rural markets. By continuing to develop its human, digital, and physical networks, the company is well-positioned to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the digital and financial inclusion sectors, thereby driving future growth and impact.